As we start to say goodbye to the fall leaves and pumpkin spice, colder temperatures and the possibility of snow creep up.
The Keystone State is expected to receive plenty of rain and, potentially, snow across multiple counties this week. The National Weather Service in State College released a forecast that shows colder temperatures, rain, and the potential for snowfall.
Starting today, areas across central Pa. will see the daily low range from 40 degrees to the low 30s across central Pennsylvania. This area includes Harrisburg, York, State College, and other northern areas, including Wellsboro and Bradford.
NWS forecaster Nicholas Beaty expects much of the snowfall in the Harrisburg region to be more of a rain/snow mix but adds that certain counties might see some of the first accumulations of the season.
“Adams and Franklin County, Schuylkill County, and possibly some areas of northeastern Dauphin County may see more snow,” Beaty said. ”Snow showers will be more directed towards Cambria, Blaire County, and portions of Centre County. They may see some of the first accumulations of the season.”
Adams and Franklin counties are currently sitting at a 30% chance of rain and snow, according to the latest seven-day forecast from the NWS, whereas Schuylkill County is showing a 50% chance. Centre County is showing a 70% chance of snow Thursday into Friday.
Other counties like Lebanon and Dauphin are expected to see a 40% chance of snow and rain Thursday night, while York and Lancaster are showing a 30% chance.
Beaty also said that most counties will likely see a snow/rain mix as we move into Thursday/Friday.
“Wednesday night into Thursday, there may be a rain-snow mix, more west of I-99,” he said. “Thursday and Friday will be cold. Harrisburg and surrounding areas may not see as much snow as they do rain.”
Accuweather released a similar report on Nov. 18, highlighting changes across the East Coast and the state. Significant changes will likely come from Tropical Rainstorm Ira making its way across the U.S., which will alter weather patterns in the Midwest, Appalachians, and Northeast.
Dan Pydynowski, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist, said “There is the potential for a foot or more of snow to fall over the ridges, plateaus, and peaks in the mountains of West Virginia, western Maryland, and western Pennsylvania from the setup later this week and into this weekend. It is possible that at elevations near and above 2,000 feet can easily end up with a foot or more of snow.”
According to the NWS, northwest areas in Pennsylvania like Pittsburgh are expected to see snow come early Wednesday night, with a 70% expectancy, and will run into Thursday night.
Accuweather also notes that in states at lower elevations from “Wisconsin and Michigan to Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, upstate New York, and northwestern New England, some wet snow is likely to fall on occasion,” the report reads. “However, much of the snow may melt, with most accumulation being limited to grass and elevated surfaces.”
Below is the five-day forecast for the Harrisburg area from today to Nov. 23:
- Today: High of 61, mostly cloudy
- Wednesday: High of 63, showers
- Thursday: High of 52, intermittent clouds
- Friday: High of 44, showers
- Saturday: High of 51, mostly cloudy
